Alabama Football Practices Closed to the PublicDaily practice sessions for the 2003 Alabama football season will be closed to the public, according to an announcement today by Tide coach Mike Shula.

Thursday, July 24, 2003

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --- Daily practice sessions for the 2003 Alabama football season will be closed to the public, according to an announcement today by Tide coach Mike Shula.

"Without the advantage of spring practice, this fall camp will be a very critical part of our preparation for the upcoming season," Shula said. "We need the full attention of our players and coaches."

The Tide will be in helmets only on Aug. 5-6; shoulder pads and helmets on Aug. 7-8 and in full pads for the first time on Aug. 9. Two-a-day sessions will be held Aug. 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 while one-a-day practices will be conducted on Aug. 11,13, 15, 17 and 19 before classes begin on Aug. 20.

Alabama will begin the 2003 season on Aug. 30 against South Florida at Birmingham's Legion Field. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN, with kickoff scheduled at 2 p.m. (CDT).